The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
I'm a physician in training who was diagnosed with MDD 4 years ago. My depression was initially terminated with Celexa, but I needed increasing doses to feel okay, and side effects worsened. Same deal with Zoloft - mostly decreased sex drive and anorgasmia.
I have been taking 50mg of Pristiq for 1 month. The only side effect I have at present are some "brain zaps" if I miss a dose by a few hours. Initially, I had mild dilation of my pupils, taste changes, and diarrhea, but like most antidepressants many side effects ease off with time. My approach for my patients would be - cheap older drugs like Zoloft/Celexa/Prozac/Paxil then if a person fails 1-2 of these - Pristiq.
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As one of the reviewers who posted feeling "different" on day 1 or 2 on Pristiq, I am now on it for 10 days and I have been very tired up until today. From day 2-8, I slept a good 12 hours daily which is hard to do with kids lol! But today I woke up feeling good and immediately made beds, put on coffee and whipped up a great breakfast. This may not seem like "a big deal" but for me, who was lying in bed crying for 8 or so weeks, it's a huge change and I hope it continues.
I have been waking up frequently at night but it's not that bad as I can fall back to sleep easily. As I said in another post, I was on another antidepressant for almost a year and it was horrible. The hardest part was saying yes to the help offered. Good luck to all.
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I have taken almost every drug out there. With so many drugs/so many different side effects, because of this I have been off all drugs for a couple of years, I feel the need to go on something for depression. I was so worried about side effects of weight gain or hair loss, that I asked my doctor for something that would avoid these two side effects. I have been on Pristiq for almost 2 weeks...I have mild headaches, frequent urination, constipation, and insomnia so far. I am hoping with monitoring this that maybe if I change the time that I take it and try to add fiber to my diet, and try to drink less fluids closer to bed time to help. I have had worse side effects with other medicines, so I will stay on longer to see if I notice a difference.
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I've been on medication like : Remeron, Tegretol, etc for years. I heard about this medicine and asked my doctor and he prescribed it to me (50 mg).
First week..fine, second week.. The worst time of my life. I felt over depressed, my body sore, had panic attacks, felt extremely aggressive. I ended up in hospital, and this great doctor told me that 50 mg is the initial dose but it's not right because this drug is highly concentrated. I nearly had an overdose bcause of the 50 mg! So as the psychiatrist from the hospital told me to take just 25mg, I now feel alive and happy again.
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At 47 and pre-menopausal. In addition to having a lung cancer scare (being monitored and if anything were to come out of it, it's early days). In addition to it a suspicious mammogram and an upcoming colonoscopy (my second) monitoring due to my father passing on from this disease as it was not diagnosed early enough. I was crying for no reason and had no interest in anything. On Pristiq 2 days now and I feel "different". My mood is lighter and I'm not going off on angry tangents for no good reason. I'm glad it's not supposed to put on weight - I'm 140 lbs at 5 feet 7 and as I just quit smoking, I will be putting on a few pounds from that. So far, it's pretty good.
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Took 50 mg in the morning as directed, the day went fine and I was productive but was awake all night. Didn't sleep at all and felt jumpy for the first hour or so out of bed. I've been on Wellbutrin for years and felt like it might not be helping anymore -- well, after a scary night where I felt like I was on a bad trip -- just make it stop -- I'm back to Wellbutrin. If anyone knows a good alternative to Wellbutrin that's not Effexor or Pristiq, I'd love to hear about it.
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A suggestion for people that have insomnia problems with Pristiq--take it in the morning. The first week I was on this I took it at night and there was no sleeping to be had. I've been on it for 8 months now and ever since I switched to mornings and I've been sleeping just fine.
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I'm one of those reviewers who found Pristiq immediately helpful for 3 weeks. Then side effects (jaw clenching, bruising) decreased, and so did benefits. I became depressed again. Doctor doubled the dose. Benefits did not improve, but side effects were okay, too, until I decided 2x the "normal" effective dose with no improvement wasn't smart. I'd taken the drug for 6 weeks, 100 mg for 1 wk. I cut back to 50 mg and experienced the first rebound effect ever in 40 years of depression and nearly everything available to date. Immediately and severely worsened mood, suicidal thoughts, weepiness. Then I read. Like Paxil, this has a bad record of weaning and cessation effects. Talk to your doctor carefully about the /- of Pristiq, and be careful.
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I have major depression. Also I have a spinal fusion.I have tried many depression drugs. I also suffer from a sleep disorder that makes me sleep through a lot of the day. With Pristiq I definitely feel better in the morning and that was the worst time of day for me. I am still suffering from excessive sleepiness during the day. I have been on Pristiq for about three months now. So far its been pretty good. I would recommend it, but it is not a miracle drug for me. I still have depression.I was hoping for a bigger difference.
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I have been on Pristiq for 2 months now. I have past digestive problems, so when I was diagnosed with Major Depressive and Panic Attacks, I was very hesitant to try any medications, especially with nausea and constipation side effects. Within two days, I felt tired but things began to seem not so overwhelming. Within a week, I was able to cautiously get back into work and life, and now, I have had only one panic attack, and have had nothing other than a headache if I don't take it on time. My energy levels returned within one week, and sex drive within two weeks. I have even lost 10 lbs. I never realized how bad depression was until I began to see colors again, smiling, and everyone kept asking me if I had grown and lost weight.
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I really wish people didn't rate their experience of having taken the pill for one day or less than one week, and here's why: For my first week, I felt great, and no side effects whatsoever. Then pretty much the day week 2 started, I was so nauseous I thought I had swine flu, so anxious I couldn't breathe, and I can not stop crying. It's weird because when I was on Lexapro, which also sucked, there's no way I could cry - I was totally robotic. Anyways I also can't sleep and I have headaches. I am so, so upset about this because it's like why did I get teased with that one week of clarity and then drop so much lower?
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Pristiq is working very well for me. As have others on this site, I noticed an immediate difference within a day of taking the first pill. However it took about three weeks for the benefits to fully kick in and for me to return to feeling "normal." There were days during those first three weeks when I was back to having some depressive symptoms, but never as bad as without the drug. Now that it seems to have fully kicked in I feel good and don't miss the emotionally soggy feeling that comes with the depression. Bottom line, it seems to be working very well for me after Lexapro didn't and Paxil quit being effective.
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I am glad to see most people here on this forum had positive experiences with Pristiq. I have been on Pristiq for 7 long days. While I know it takes weeks for antidepressant medications to take effect I could not tough it out. My pupils were so dilated, headaches, severe diarrhea, chills, stomach pain. It's amazing how medications affect people different.
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I was very hesitant to go on anything, after years of self medicating with alcohol. I've been on Pristiq for 3 days, and already, I feel much better, less angry, much less anxiety. The side effects have been minimal, but a bit annoying, we'll see how that goes.
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I have mixed feelings about this medication. I had taken Pristiq for almost 6 months. The side effects of a headache daily, nausea, the night sweats, teeth hurting, jaw clenching. The 1st month I was so tired, taking a nap shortly after the dose. I have to admit I wasn't so emotional to the point of crying at the drop of trying situation. I then had Topomax added as well, it seemed okay for a couple of months until I just wasn't myself at all. I made the hasty action to stop all the medicines which I must say, do not do this. The withdrawal effects were terrible to say the least. I strongly suggest seeking medical advice on taking this action.
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Pristiq was the 3rd medication I tried after Prozac and Wellbutrin. I have had no side effects, no weight gain and no effects on my sex drive. The only downside is that it is an expensive drug and some health plans may not want to cover it.
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I am diagnosed Bipolar I. I take Trileptal and have switched antidepressants several times. I have tried Lexapro, Zoloft and Prozac. All having relative success with my moods, but loss of libido forced me to switch. Pristiq has been the best I have tried. Both my moods and anxiety have improved. Still less of a libido than without any medication, but better than any of the other antidepressants I have taken. I still have a faint libido, but now experience delayed orgasm. However, the quality of my moods has improved so much that I am more apt to accept this side effect.
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I was on this for 1 year. At first is was okay. I had hot flashes and would sweat bad. The last 3 months - the fatigue is building to the point T was sleeping all the time, having anger issues.
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I have been on Pristiq for 3 weeks and it is wonderful! The only side effect I have suffered is nausea, but well well worth it! I was on low dose of Wellbutrin for almost a year and started suffering severe depression, my husband and 3 kids were definitely suffering from this as I was! I am very thankful for Pristiq, just wish it wasn't so expensive. I am only having to take 50mg once a day and hope to be able to get off completely soon. There is hope!
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I had cancer and went through a year of treatments .. the chemo threw me full force into menopause... and just when I thought I was getting back to normal...I had major depression and awful anxiety. It was very debilitating - I was angry and crying all the time. I started on 50mg of Pristiq and it helped slightly within a couple of days.. the anger went away, they upped my dose to 100mg and almost 6 weeks to the day...it was like somebody turned the light switch on. I had no side effects at all and best of all I feel completely normal not drugged or off center...just GREAT!
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I absolutely loved Pristiq - great energy - great sex - felt good. I unfortunately suffered a side effect that I couldn't empty my bladder all the way. So that meant sleep deprivation. My MD thought it was a UTI, but getting off the medicine and seeing a urologist cleared up the symptoms. The urologist said it was a very common side effect of Pristiq. He put me on Flomax for a couple of weeks... Loved Pristiq, hate that I can't take it.
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I have been taking Pristiq for 1 week. I loved how it lifted me up right away. I was on Cymbalta for 5 years and was having panic attacks and very stressed out and wasn't working anymore. I have noticed mild headache off and on and NO sex drive, like short tempered too, oh and night sweats started and we don't like that, but from what I have read it should lighten up. I do feel better and will give it a chance like with any new medication your body has to get used to it. Hope this one works! I have even backed off on my smoking which is a plus! Good luck to every one.
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I have taken exactly 3 Pristiq tablets and woke up today (my 4th day on it) feeling much happier. I am more energetic, looking forward to the future not dreading it, motivated and feeling friendlier. Nothing in my life situation has changed in the last 4 days. I had just about given up on everything. Thank God for Pristiq.
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I'm a 40 year old female, mother of two. I'm being newly treated for depression. I've been taking Pristiq for 5 days. I noticed an incredible difference within 30 minutes of my first dosage.(I know it seems hard to believe) The heaviness between my eyes subsided, and I felt at ease. I am loving my new attitude towards all and everything. I have noticed some side effects, a sore jaw from clenching, and a lack of appetite. I can live with the sore teeth and jaw as long as that is the worst of the side effects and a bit of weight loss would be great. I notice I'm waking up happier and bright eyed, instead of miserable and heavy feeling. So far, I'm loving Pristiq.
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I don't represent anyone but myself (I'm always skeptical about these posts). I know everyone is different. I've been depressed to one degree or another my whole life, and have tried nearly every medicine that's come along, from the early tri-cyclics through MAO inhibitors, to SSRI/SNRIs. None worked well enough in the long run to compensate for the side effects (sexual dysfunction, weight gain, others). After 3 years of mild depression and no medicines, things got severe again. I'm in week 3 of Pristiq. Mood improved within 24 hours, and I feel as though my brain's turned on again. I have mild side effects (sleep and jaw clenching), but these are tolerable for the mood improvement. Hope it keeps working, and wish everyone good luck.
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Reading most of the reviews on here just makes me wonder why not me? I'm a 28 Female with bipolar 1, anxiety disorder with agoraphobia, OCD (obsessive thoughts but thankfully nothing severe), and adult ADHD.
I'm far from a stranger to the world of therapy, medicines, etc., since I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder at 14.
I've been taking Pristiq for about 2 1/2 months. First noticed I felt more tired, then after a few weeks I noticed I felt more anxious than usual and little things would bother me (more) then before and I actually feel more depressed in the sense that I didn't actually feel depressed as in sad, worthless, etc. more just kinda blah. But I actually feel more sad and unmotivated now, I've also gained about 10lbs and Pristiq is the only thing different.
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Was prescribed this medication on Friday, August 28th of this year. So it has only been 5 days since I first started taking it . I have never been on any anti-depressant medication before. Didn't know I was depressed until the doctor said that I was. I went to him with complaints of stress (mostly work-related, some personal), weight gain (seems I focus on food and cravings a lot more these days, not to mention that I had a car accident on 4/03/09 and broke my neck, had to wear a halo for 3 months so that could also explain my weight gain of almost 30lbs), and difficulty falling asleep. Side effects so far have been; insomnia, no changes really in appetite, and failure to have an orgasm!
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I have been taking 50mg Pristiq for 3 days. I can't believe the difference I felt within the first 24 hours. My depression and anxiety have eased. My body aches and pains have subsided. I hope you will try this medicine. I haven't felt this normal in years!
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This medicine has made more anxious than I was before. It is also keeping me awake at night. After talking to my doctor about it. He doubled my prescription. I am switching doctors.
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I've been on Pristiq now for about 4 months. I could tell the difference in my moods almost right away. Every little thing used to make me cry, but not any longer. The only side effect I experienced was dry mouth. Really wish I could have felt a decrease in appetite. The withdrawals are pretty bad for me though. One day I forgot to take it and almost pulled my hair out. I was crying uncontrollably over nothing which I didn't even do before taking the medicines. I was also having major brain zaps. I recommend coming off slowly. All in all though, I love it.
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I've been taking Pristiq for 2 full months now. It helps me get up and out of the house and I don't feel as hopeless. People aren't getting on my nerves as much either. Continuing side effects for me are sleepiness, headaches and a rise in blood pressure. I'm seeing my doctor to taper off as the side effects are too much.
In the first few weeks I noticed a dramatic loss of appetite which has unfortunately gone away. I have some weight to lose. For a while there I was eating like a "normal" person, which was really nice.
I've been on everything, most recently Prozac and Cymbalta. Just don't know if there's anything left to try.
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I'm back on Pristiq after having tried several other medications due to sexual side effects. I had taken Prozac for 20 years and had tried countless other medicines. Prozac stopped working and none of the others made me feel normal like Pristiq. My doctor recommended that I take my Pristiq every other day or not to take it on days when I want to have sex. Now I can ejaculate again and have a great sex life. Thanks Pristiq. It feels so good to be normal again.
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I have been on Pristiq for 10 days now. The first two and a half days I felt sick, dizzy and fuzzy. I have had no side effects since. Lost 2.5 lbs the first week, which is a plus. Was on Lexapro a few years ago and gained a lot of weight. I also suffer from panic attacks and am taking Xanax when needed. Going through divorce, 23 year marriage.
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I've been taking Pristiq for almost a year. I feel the best I've ever felt. I have had a huge spike in cholesterol and am on medicine now to control. It is a recognized side effect. If I miss one day, I'm really messed up emotionally and physically. My head feels funny and I have uncontrollable sadness and anxiety. Once I take the medicine at my next dose all those feelings go away. If I ever need or decide to go off this medicine I will make sure to take it extremely slow.
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I've been on Pristiq for almost a month. It's great. No pill will deliver a miracle so keep that in mind. Side effects are negligible. I do have a reduced sex drive but I also had that with Celexa. However, there was a time I was on Celexa and had no sexual dysfunction so it's difficult to quantify.
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Have been taking Pristiq for 4 weeks and am feeling great. More focused relaxed and energetic. Can think clearer and no anxiety. Had dry mouth dizziness and loss of appetite for first couple of days.
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I tried taking Pristiq for 6 days. The side effects were so bad I could not function. I could not work, eat, or sleep and felt nauseous. My vision was blurry. My mouth was so dry and my appetite was non existent. I only weigh 111 lbs and I do not need to miss a meal. I have stopped taking this medication. I was taking 50mg and this is the first medicine I have ever taken for depression.
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I have been taking Pristiq for 3 days now. Some side effects I've had are dry mouth, dilated pupils, trouble sleeping (going to start taking it early morning now) and sweating during the night-time. I just spoke to my Doctor who said to cut my 50 mg dose pills in half and start taking half in the morning to see if the side effects subside. The good things are: I have energy, no more food cravings, no more crying episodes and I feel more at ease during stressful moments.
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I have been depressed for a very long time. Always try so many different kind of medicines but Pristiq seems to be working great. I have already lost 12lbs in 3 weeks and I feel a lot better, with my mood swings being better. My kids have noticed a big difference in me. The only side effect was stomach was hurting but it went away. The only thing is that I feel a little down but I don't know if it's because of my PMS. I go to the doctor tomorrow and we'll see what he says but other then that I have more motivation then I ever did before. I always give up on other pills but this one seems to work. I could enjoy my life again. I just hope if they increase the dose to 100 that I will feel better and I won't be disappointed.
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I have been taking Pristiq for 6 months. The first two months, nothing happened. The third and fourth months were great. I was well balanced, no longer angry all of the time. I had motivation to do things, and I felt like I finally had the ambition to do something with my life. And then Pristiq just stopped working for me. As if my body had grown immune to it. I am still talking it regularly every day but I feel just as horrible as I felt before I started taking it. I am going to see a doctor next week to find out why it just stopped working for me. It's not fair! I read so many reviews on how it has changed peoples lives and fixed their depression. I was so happy to think that I'd gotten the same result. I can't find a reliable drug.
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I am new to Pristiq. I do not know if it is the wonder drug yet. I am taking it alongside Savella. I am not depressed, but I still feel like I'm on the edge of a panic attack. It am going to cut my caffeine and alcohol intake to see if it makes a difference. I have Bipolar disorder, Asthma, chronic disc disease, Fibromalygia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and personality disorder. I am going to continue to take this medicine and hope for the best.
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Wrapping up week 8 with Pristiq. First depression treatment attempt, therefore unable to compare to similar drugs. Notable: elevated mood, on-and-off headaches, sleepiness, confusion, poor coordination, decreased appetite, consistent sex drive. Positive effects of drug definitely outweigh set backs. Thanks Pristiq. Everyone is different and therefore no two people are expected to react the same.
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I have had depression for years due to situations that added to it continually. I have tried every pill made to help. Usually within 3 days I would take myself off them because of gaining weight within that period of 3 to 5 pounds, also feeling awful to the point of despair. I had neck surgery that left me with pain everyday to the point of not wanting to live. My pain management Doctor prescribed Pristiq along with epidural procedures for pain. Within the first day of taking Pristiq I felt a great difference in my mood. Within 3 days I knew this medicine was totally different. I have been on it for a month now and the only side effects I've had have been minor. It's been a great month of feeling more like my old self.
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I normally don't write these things but, Pristiq is fantastic. I have tried so many medications and none of them seemed to work. They all had bad side effects except this one. I know it's a bit early but I've been on it for three days and I can already see a difference. It has minor side effects in the beginning like a wee bit of nausea/dizziness and restlessness but it's so worth it! I feel so happy all the time it's great and I also feel more focused and energetic. I used to stress about everything and feel miserable. Trust me anyone who suffers from depression, anxiety, stress, you need to at least try this before you try anything. It makes you feel less hungry so you are likely to focus of food, which is a bonus.
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The very first day I took Pristiq I had severe headaches and I never get headaches. I had diarrhea within the first hour that I took the pill. I couldn't finish my food because I haven't been feeling well, and I felt extremely dizzy. I haven't been taking it very long, but I've been sick ever since I started taking the pill.
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I have been taking Pristiq for 2 months now and I love it. I had a breakdown in my Doctors office. I hadn't been sleeping well and was really depressed. He said you need something to help you now. Within 2 days all the waterworks had stopped and I felt better. I take 50mg first thing with my breakfast. Never had any side effects at all. Went back after 2 weeks and told him I was feeling better but still not sleeping well. He gave me Xanax for anxiety small dose 0.25mg before bed and now I sleep great. I wake up feeling a little tired but do a few stretching exercises and eat a good breakfast that gives me energy for the day. I feel better than I have in 2 years. God Bless You All.
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I don't know how I have lived for 34 years without this medication. Pristiq has for me been a God send. I am now 5 weeks in, and have never felt this clear and focused. It's not a miracle worker, the situations I face daily still get me cranky and stressed, but I don't seethe anymore. I used to get angry with my kids for being "naughty", and stay angry for ages, just getting worse and worse. Now I take the time to be a "Mum", talking to them and not stressing about the little things they do. As for side effects, I had a little nausea, and irritability (which I still have at times, but I have 4 kids under 4, and my husband works away from home) but overall it's much more pleasant in our house. Good luck to everyone.
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I have been taking Pristiq for 2 months now. Within 2 weeks I felt a major difference when I wake up in the morning and throughout the day. I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years without treatment. Pristiq is the first antidepressant I have been on and I can't believe I have gone this long without it.
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I too started Pristiq after 17 years of being on antidepressants. I also have tried everything out there. I did not feel anything at all for the first 2 weeks. However, I started to have these slight body aches - never did I attribute this to the medicine. After another week on this medication, I also could not stay awake for longer than 2 hours at a time. I began having body aches. I could not make it through a day at work, I could barely get out of bed in the morning, and there was no way I could do my household chores. I had many blood tests ran and everything came back normal. I finally realized it may be the Pristiq and after just 3 days of being off of it, I was completely pain free and not tired.
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I have been on Pristiq for about 3 weeks. I have had major depression for about 20 years. Have been on everything on the market. I also take Ativan for anxiety. I am 52 years old and have not had a period for almost 2 years. That has changed. I am going to my doctor to see if this is normal. Otherwise I feel great. I have been on Paxil for almost 5 years (60mg dose). I now take 50mgs of Pristiq. It was very hard transitioning from Paxil to Pristiq. The withdrawals were bad.
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I have had severe depression for about 1 year now. My psychiatrist and I have tried just about all SSRI's/anti-depressants (Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Abilify, Deplin, Cymbalta). I started Pristiq ER about 4 months ago. WOW!I felt about 50% better in 3-4 weeks, than I had in several months. At my follow-up appointment I asked my Doctor to increase my dose and he did. I now take 100mg daily. Although my depression has plateaued, I'm not AS depressed as I WAS. Suicidal thoughts, and worthlessness are a lot less. I also have very few side effects. I've lost about 15lbs while on it. So if you are truly desperate I would recommend you try this one next.
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I'm 38 and I've been on Pristiq for about 3 weeks now. The depression has lifted, but I still have anxiety. I take Norvasc for high blood pressure (my blood pressure has been controlled for years). My blood pressure feels like it is getting higher as I am on this drug. I was having wine at night on this drug, but I am going to stop doing that and maybe it will lower my blood pressure. I really don't want to stop taking Pristiq. I've lost 5 pounds. I'm starting to worry about going to the Doctor all the time to "change my medicines". I feel like I've tried so many. I just want to feel NORMAL for a change.
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I've been on this medication for a week to treat my low grade depression which has manifested itself primarily with erectile dysfunction and insomnia. I am 22. Within 48 hours, I slept through the night for the first time in months. Much of the sexual difficulties I had experienced prior to taking the Pristiq (which is the first antidepressant I've been on) went away within the same time period.
I'm yawning a lot despite not being particularly tired and I'm clenching my jaw a lot. I'm more focused, excited about my sex life and just being able to sleep through the night for once is a God send. If these are the worst side effects I have to deal with, I'll be happy.
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I have only been on Pristiq for 2 days, and my depression has lifted almost instantly. I have more energy and am not as hungry. It does affect sleep though. I remedy this by taking it at 5:30 or 6:00 AM. I have treatment resistant major depression, so you name the anti-depressant, and I've tried it. This is a miracle drug.
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Am I the only one who has experienced the opposite of insomnia. All I do is sleep. I can't be up more than 2 hours without feeling an extreme feeling of going to sleep. This isn't good. I need energy, feeling sleepy all the time is making me feel worse.
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I learned quickly that what works for one may not work for another. I was on Wellbutrin, which worked pretty well for me, except for the ringing in my ears. My doctor then suggested Cymbalta and I felt worse almost immediately. We stuck with it, and even increased the dosage, but I felt like I was slipping back into darkness. I had neither energy nor interest in anything. I then began Pristiq: four weeks at 50 mg and now 100 mg. I'm feeling better than I have in many months. I had a bit of nausea at the beginning and then some headaches when I first bumped up to 100 mg. In conjunction with an effective therapist I was lucky to find, I'm finally feeling (cautiously) optimistic about this thing called life.
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I am so hopeful about this medication. Within 24 hours, I could tell a world of difference in my outlook (I have suffered with major depression most of my life). I have been on Pristiq 2 weeks now. I did miss a dose 2 days ago and could tell the difference in my focus, concentration and mood (yesterday and today), so I will definitely be faithful about taking it from now on.
I am feeling the overwhelming tiredness after an initial burst of energy when I first started taking it. I hope that will get better. And I do think it has helped me focus on other things besides food.
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I was prescribed Pristiq in February 2009. While at first Pristiq seemed like an answer to my prayers in that I felt less anxious and less depressed, this past week I sank back into the deep depression. I'll be seeing a psychiatrist to re-evaluate my medication needs this week. While on Pristiq I've experienced significant fatigue, intense chest pain and sexual dysfunction.
13 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been taking Pristiq for the treatment of bipolar disorder to treat my depression issues. As for the depression it has helped a lot (I was locked into a depressive state for months). I have been on this medication for about 3 weeks and so far have lost about 15lbs (I have been working out as well). Anyone who knows how hard it is to lose weight while on bipolar medicines will know it's heaven sent.
14 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I had a very negative experience with this drug. I had been on Effexor XR for years. My Doctor suggested switching to Pristiq which was supposed to be the replacement for Effexor when the patent ran out. I immediately had horrible migraines, agitation, uncontrollable feelings of anger. I called the doctor's office on the third day and was immediately taken off the drug. They said I was not the first person with those symptoms.
20 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for 9 months. Previously I was on Cymbalta to help with depression and fibromyalgia. Pristiq seemed to help somewhat at first (for a few months) but then the suicidal thoughts returned. I'm now being taken off Pristiq (slowly). It just isn't working any more and I'm still in deep depression. So thankful that my doctor is switching me to something else.
7 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
Pristiq has helped with my depression and anxiety. I can't believe how good these are. It really does boost your energy levels, morning's were the worst for me, waking up was hard. Not anymore. I'm much happier, its also boosted my sex drive.
19 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have tried several anxiety and antidepressant medicines with not so good results. Everyone who is around me has noticed that I am happier now that I have found Pristiq. I think that it is important to know what is best for you, but Pristiq works for me.
11 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I haven't been taking it long, actually just weening off one antidepressant onto Pristiq and am already feeling better. I've been fighting depression for years with all kinds of anti-depressants. This one gives me hope.
9 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
After suffering from major depression and anxiety for many years I had given up any hope of ever feeling "normal" again. After being hospitalized I was placed on Pristiq and walked out of the hospital a week later feeling better than I had in 10 years. For me this has been a miracle drug.
20 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I think my depression is more situational. I'm unhappy with my job, where I live and being alone. I started taking the 50mg, I felt better the first week, then 3 weeks later started taking the 100mg, I don't notice a change. True about taking the drug when you wake up, it gives you energy. Take it when you wake up or you will not sleep well. I've had a couple of really strange dreams. The problem is that I need to make some changes in my life to really find happiness and really knock out this depression. The only side effect I have is reduced sex drive.
24 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I learned that it is best to take Pristiq in the morning because it is a stimulating, time release drug. I try and take it by 9 am. It can affect sleep if you take it later. I had decreased appetite and some nausea so take with food in the morning. I avoided any caffeine and alcohol as that can increase side effects.
18 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I feel so sad. I've been on this medicine for 8 weeks. I don't sleep through the night (but am not tired during the day), have been having more bad dreams than usual, and am more irritable. I take it for major depression/anxiety and started on 50mg, but my doctor upped it to 100mg.
Sincerely,
tired of trying meds
11 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for about a week. It has been extremely stressful and found myself sick with stomach and abdominal pains. After several specialists, biopsys and exploratory surgery it was concluded that stress has induced IBS as well as depression. I have noted that I am not hungry and I have not had an episode with pain so far. As for side effects I have felt exhausted by late morning, however after a short nap feel fine. I am a bit less anxious and my mood a bit better, however I have not yet experienced the energy to get going. But from the reviews I do look forward to that. I noted one person said they were told not to take with thyroid medication. I take synthroid and know my doctor would not prescribe this if it was a bad combination.
14 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
What a great antidepressant! No side effects and I actually feel happy. My mood swings have improved and I feel calm and happy inside. Things that used to irritate me, don't anymore. I can tell I have less of an appetite and more energy. I am on 1 x 50 mg a day. If you have had bad luck with side effects and antidepressants, you need to try this. I applaud Pristiq.
18 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
This medication was a nightmare. I had about 3 weeks that were wonderful at first, then 3 or 4 weeks where the effects leveled out. After that, I started gaining about 3 pounds per week, felt tired, sick and had flu like symptoms constantly. I couldn't get out of bed for more than 2 hours at a time. I stopped taking this it and only now (2 1/2 months later) am I seeing any improvement. I switched doctors and was told that this is never supposed to be prescribed with high blood pressure medications or with thyroid medicines. The combination threw me into serotonin syndrome.
14 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on this medication for 10 days and am feeling more energetic and even tempered. However, I am not sleeping well at all and that is really starting to get to me. I hope that goes away!
8 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I went to doctor with pains in different parts of my body. My husband was diagnosed with cancer after my baby was born and whole last year was just crazy and into all of that I started to feel pain in my body. Finally I went to doctor last week, after a year of pain. He did all blood work and all check ups and he told me all my pain can be from stress. Well, I got Pristiq last Monday. After one week I have no pain anymore in my body. I can't believe I didn't go earlier. And 9.8 lb is gone, it just lets you forget about food. I have dry mouth, otherwise I feel great!
Good luck to all of you!
16 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I was prescribed this medication for anxiety social phobia. I have tried a lot of medications and have been off and on with different ones with never really feeling fully recovered. This medication made me feel nauseous at first and gave me insomnia. Symptoms resided but now I have sexual dysfunction which is one of the side effects.
I can't climax and hardly have any desire plus I wasn't experiencing any improvement so I stopped it.
11 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have never taken any sort of prescription medicine for any type of mental issues in my life. And to be honest, I was scared to take this. I recently found myself going through a life changing experience and was finding myself unable to function at even the most basic level. I was crying all day, every day and was worthless at home and work. It%u2019s now been two weeks since I started taking Pristiq and I find it a God send. I wonder if I could have used something like this in the past.
I find myself much more even keeled. I don%u2019t lose my temper and seem to be a mellower, happier person and in much less of a hurry. I have only cried once since starting my regimen and that was during a very intense moment.
I%u2019ve been a better father and husband and I really like this.
21 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I've been on Pristiq for a week and already feel like a new person. I was EXTREMELY hesitant to take the medication because I had tried other antidepressants in the past without success plus there seems to be nothing but negative written about the drugs. I take no other medications and am a healthy 42 year old. I had a few days of nausea which was relieved mostly by taking the medication in the morning with food. I have a little dry mouth and use the bathroom a little less but otherwise have no side effects. I feel like a film was lifted off me. It's hard to explain. I hope to continue to feel as balanced as I do now. I'm taking this for anxiety and dysthmic depression. The drug company offers assistance with co-payment.
16 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on this medication for 3 weeks now and feel a lot better and my thinking is clearer. I feel like moving around more and working out whereas before I did not have the energy to do anything. I have lost 7 pounds in the meanwhile. I have had some loss of having orgasms but still have the desire for sex.
13 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
Miracle drug for sure! I've been taking the 50mg dose for about 2 months now. Nothing has ever worked like this (besides Effexor XR, but that made me much more manic) for treating my depression/anxiety. It's even helped my eating disorder. I hope it continues to be this wonderful, and I won't have to keep upping my dose to get the same effects. My only side effect so far has been a mild daily headache and crazy night sweats. But I'll take those any day over crying and screaming on the kitchen floor daily.
19 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I've been on Pristiq for 8 weeks and believe me, I have never felt better in my life. It works, no side effects. I'm a happy person now. The only thing I wouldn't do is to take Pristiq at night time. I take it at 8:00am, so I don't have sleeping problems. Try it this way. This medicine is wonderful. GOOD LUCK EVERYBODY.
29 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
After years of trying to find something to work on various levels regarding my depression and anxiety, it seems that I am now being brought back to life. I feel alive again. It's amazing.
20 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for 3 months and I have not been doing well. My doctor has told me to try and keep taking it. Now I have upped my dose to 100mg but feel like my depression is getting worse. I need to try something else and fast.
10 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I started taking Pristiq about 4 months ago and it has proven to be wonderful. I suffer from depression and borderline personality disorder. Almost immediately I saw an improvement. Before taking Pristiq I would fly into a rage almost daily. In the last 4 months since taking it I have maybe raged 5 times. I don't feel so self-conscious anymore. I feel more alive and upbeat. And to top it off I've lost weight since the drug decreases appetite. My wonder drug.
21 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
My doctor prescribed Pristiq 6 months ago for major depressive disorder with anxiety. I have been on several different antidepressants but this one took the longest to work. It took 6 weeks. I was nauseated for the first month. It finally started working and I felt less depressed but lately I am very moody and irritable. Sometimes all I want to do is stay in bed and at other times I'm up all night (like now - it's 3:55am). Can't take this any more. Good luck.
10 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
Never taken any antidepressants.
Initial days were bad due to interactions with other medicines. I had nightmares, lack of sleep, nausea, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
Once I straightened this out, I felt great, have a clear mind, and I've lost 5 lbs in about 2 weeks.
17 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
My sister has been on this drug for 2 and a half weeks now. She has had suicidal thoughts on more than one occassion. She's also having to triple her dose of Trazodone to sleep due to the insomnia. And her depression is worse than ever. She's also become very aggressive.
14 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I will start by saying that I suffer from major depression. I have tried just about everything in the book and was starting to just about feel like giving up hope (on medications that is!) and was completely exhausted. My doctor just recently, put me on Pristiq and almost immediately I noticed a difference and have had no side effects what so ever. I have been excited about life and happy to get out of bed everyday now. It has been a drastic change and I am so thankful. I'm not sure how this medicine might take to others, but for me it has worked wonders.
37 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
This medicine gave me more energy and improved my mood, but it made me quick tempered. It made it hard for me to function without having extreme emotional ups and down.
13 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for 6 days now. I am feeling better, but still have nausea and dizzy but it's getting better. I have never been on any kind of medicines except antibiotics. I am also still tense but hope that will go away soon. Reading all of the comments have helped.
15 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for one week for major depression and treatment resistant depression. I take this medicine at night and have had no side effects yet. I have experienced a major lift in my mood, I am laughing a lot more and in general feel pretty well. It seems to work quickly and I hope added benefit comes with time, I am glad I decided to try it. I was scared at 1st because SSRI's in general have always let me down, but this being a SSNRI - I think that is the name, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel now.
25 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been taking Pristiq for about 4 weeks now. I have minor depression. I was mainly feeling overwhelmed and super emotional. I am so much calmer now and feel I can handle problems better that come my way. I have a slight decrease in appetite but at times I am actually hungrier. My gynaecologist said it would also help my hot flashes and it definitely has. The hardest thing about taking Pristiq is giving up my daily glass of wine. I feel it is best to follow the precautions totally. Overall this medicine has worked wonders on my emotional state.
24 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for about 3 weeks steady. I feel so good but my moods have come back. When I get angry I still get the sudden urge to yell, scream at my kids. I have to tell my doctor this. I have been embarrassed and scared to share it with my doctor but my kids are now 13 and 15 and they are suffering as well, watching me go through these mood swings. I think I need an increase in the dosage. I know I have the minimum dose right now. Overall Pristiq saved me and my children.
14 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pritiq for about 2 months now and it has been going pretty good. I will say that I went on a trip and forgot my medication and within the first 2 days I slept 20 hours straight and I had bad mood changes. When I came home I went right back on it and have had no problems since. I have no appetite and have lost about 15 - 20 pounds. It makes me feel much more awake. I am on the lowest dosage and with these results I have no desire to increase my dosage.
26 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I've never commented before online about my success or otherwise with drugs but I just had to with this one. IT HAS BEEN AMAZING. I realised today I'm actually glad to be alive.
35 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for 2 and a half weeks. The first day I was nauseated but I ate and felt much better. The first week I was very hyper in the morning when I took it. I could not drink my usual cup of coffee. The late afternoon I felt tired. This week I feel much better not hyper at all. I feel somewhat calmer and my husband agrees. I have lost 4 pounds so far and that is great. I have hypothyroidism and gained 10lbs from Synthroid. I am taking Pristiq because I have mood swings and horrible PMS. I do hope I feel more of the effects of this medication in the next few weeks. I was on Wellbutrin and Celexa before but had side effects. Pristiq has been awesome so far.
24 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
This new Pristiq has worked wonders for me. I have tried practically every anti-depressant medication out there. I have bipolar 2 disorder, and most of the time, taking an anti-depressant alone without a mood stabilizer always set off severe mania. That has not been the case with Pristiq. Not only do I feel a million times better in every way, this drug has really decreased my appetite and I have definitely lost at least 10- 15 pounds since I started taking it about 7 weeks ago. I also take a little bit of Xanax to better manage my anxiety. However, that only enhances the already great results that I have experienced with Pristiq.
30 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
This drug is amazing. Before taking it I would eat non-stop and obsess about food because of my depression. Now I only eat when it's meal time and don't even think about it any other time. I sleep great, have more energy and the only side effects were mild nausea the first couple days. The depression is gone and I feel so much better. I'm taking 50 mgs once per day.
41 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been using Pristiq a little over a month and I feel so much better. The first week I was very tired and extremely sleepy. My appetite has decreased and I've lost 10 pounds. I highly recommend Pristiq.
27 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I've been taking Pristiq (50 mg) for the past 8 or 9 weeks for depression. For the past 10 years, I'd taken Effexor XR (450 mg) for depression and panic attacks. It completely kicked the panic. I was also taking 450 mg of Wellbutrin SR with the Effexor and still take it along with the Pristiq. The first 4 days were awful since I had stopped the Effexor cold turkey, but after a couple of weeks, I began feeling better on the Pristiq. So far, Pristiq is working well for me, I have more energy, which is huge for me (I also have fibromyalgia and sleep disorders).
35 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
This has a been a wonder drug for me. I have been taking it along with a low dose of Wellbutrin for 3 weeks and I don't think I have ever felt better in my life. I noticed an improvement within a few days. No problems sleeping.
30 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
As others have described I have seen a huge change after the first 2 doses. Recent emotional and mental stress along with going through menopausal changes threw me completely off balance. My doctor prescribed Pristiq and I cannot believe the huge change. My head is so clear and balanced, I feel like the slate has been wiped clean. My eyesight also feels clear. I suppose that is because my brain is in better balance. I believe this to be a wonderful improvement on this type of anti-depressant and I will continue to take it for as long it helps. The only side effect I have is slight nausea which should subside in a week.
33 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I just started Pristiq Exrelease 50mg about 6 days ago. I am just learning more about this drug. All these comments are very helpful, I have much, much hope. I have anxiety issues, panic disorder, and some depression. I have also noticed decreased hunger. Please continue writing in it can make a big difference to people like me. Thank you!
44 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
Pristiq has helped me more than any other antidepressant I've taken in the past. I have experienced no such side effects with Pristiq. 50 ml of Pristiq wasn't helping much, but my dosage was increased to 100 ml and I'm feeling much, much better.
27 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for 12 days. It has helped me tremendously with my depression issues. A few years ago I had tried wellbuterin, lexapro and cymbalta and experienced side effects. I gave up but recently decided it was in my best interested to try something else. Pristiq has completely changed my whole outlook on life. I do have problems sleeping and have dry mouth someitmes but totally worth it.
43 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for about 2 months. I've tried probably 10-12 other anti-depressents with lots of side effects that made me want to quit them. I feel better emotionally today. I have no side effects and I am able to complete tasks in a reasonable amount of time, without feeling overwhelmed. I have no anxiety issues and I am finally enjoying my life. I only wish the insurance industry would cover this medication.
50 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I just started taking this medicine, after being on zoloft for years. Within days, I have noticed an extreme change for the better. I am actually starting to feel normal again.
38 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been taking Pristiq for 5 days. This is the first antidepressant I have ever taken. It is working great, though the first day or two I felt like I was taking diet pills. My appetite is gone and I have lost 4 pounds in 5 days. I have felt a good deal of nausea, but have not vomited. I'm always thirsty and have trouble sleeping (which was a problem before Pristiq), but my doctor gave me Xanax to help me fall asleep. I feel better than I did before. I hope it will work for you too.
39 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
I have been on Pristiq for four weeks and as others have noted, I have lost weight (20 lbs.) and have feel much better about myself both mentally and physically. I have experienced some unpleasant side effects that could possibly be the Pristiq but could also be caused from a new pain medication I have been trying. Maybe the doctor can decide next week after my checkup.
27 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
After a little over two months on Pristiq, I have lost a significant amount of weight - something I really needed to do. I am taking the recommended dose and I haven't felt this productive in years.
61 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
After trying several of the top ten antidepressants and never feeling exactly right - and gaining at least 30 pounds per episode - after only 2 weeks on Pristiq I have never felt better and have energy and the desire to live and exercise.
88 user(s) found this comment helpful. Did you?YesNo
seeking serendipity said: 
lynnette10 said: 
